Enrolment at East Renfrewshire’s first-ever Gaelic school has increased after a “successful first year”.

Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Thornliebank, located at Thornliebank Primary, opened last August with the aim of introducing Gaelic Medium Primary Education in a progressive way by welcoming primary one pupils only with further children set to join this stage in future years.

At the time, the Glasgow Times reported that just two children had been enrolled for the 23/24 school year with this uptake described as “hugely disappointing” by councillor Gordon Wallace.

Following a “positive response” from pupils, parents and carers, staff and the wider community of Thornliebank, however, the council said that a further nine pupils have been enrolled to start in primary one this August.

A spokesperson for the local authority told the Glasgow Times: “Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Thornliebank has fostered a strong sense of community, with numerous events and activities that encourage involvement of Thornliebank Primary School and it is becoming a hub for promoting and celebrating Gaelic heritage.

“In addition to the two pupils who attended during session 23/24, we have an additional nine pupils who have enrolled in primary one for Session 24/25.

“We look forward to building on this year's achievements and continuing to promote the Gaelic language and culture in the years to come."

As the council explained last year, the school will eventually provide up to 50 places in two composite classes across primaries one to three and primaries four to seven.

“The curriculum has been well-received, with a strong emphasis on immersive Gaelic language instruction across the curriculum,” added the spokesperson.

“Scottish Government funding has been utilised to re-develop of areas of the school to create appropriate classroom environments and associated communal facilities to ensure that the Gaelic element of the school has its own discrete provision and identity whilst integrating with the wider school community.”